Horse feeding guide
How to feed a horse feed balancer
Practical guidance for introducing a balancer, improving palatability and helping fussy horses get the nutrients they need.
The short version
Simple, consistent mixing- Introduce the balancer gradually over several days.
- Use a good-sized, low-sugar carrier such as a fast-soak fibre.
- Mix thoroughly so powders do not settle at the bottom of the bucket.
- Add water slowly to improve texture and palatability.
- Keep meals simple and avoid unnecessary sugary feeds.
Step by step
How to introduce a horse feed balancer
Most horses accept a balancer more readily when it is introduced gradually, mixed thoroughly and fed in a good-sized, low-sugar carrier feed.
Start small
Begin with a small amount of balancer and increase it gradually over several days.
Use enough carrier feed
Mix the balancer into a good-sized feed of fast-soak fibre, such as unmolassed sugar beet or low-sugar hay pellets. Enough carrier masks the smell and taste of the minerals, which a very small feed often fails to do.
Choose a carrier low in sugar, starch and calories. It also adds useful fibre and protein without unwanted weight gain. Avoid chops and chaffs, as minerals tend to clump in them.
Mix thoroughly
Combine any powders together first, then blend them evenly through the feed so they do not settle at the bottom of the bucket.
Add water slowly
A little water improves texture, reduces dust and helps the balancer cling to the feed.
Keep it consistent
Feed at the same time each day and avoid constantly changing ingredients or flavours.
Common challenges
Tips for feeding balancers to fussy horses
Some horses accept a balancer straight away, while others need a slower introduction. These strategies help with acceptance and consistency.
-
Use a fast-soak fibre
Soaked fibre such as Speedi-Beet® or another suitable carrier can improve texture and encourage acceptance.
-
Try warm water
Warm water can improve smell and texture, and helps powders bind to the feed.
-
Keep the bucket simple
Adding too many ingredients at once can make a feed less appealing and harder to manage.
Most horses do not need a complicated bucket feed. They need simple, consistent feeding.
Watch the guide
See how to feed a balancer to a fussy horse
A short practical demonstration of mixing a balancer, improving palatability and encouraging acceptance.
- A practical feeding demonstration
- Especially useful for fussy horses
- Helps improve acceptance and reduce waste
Find the right support
Which horse feed balancer is right for your horse?
The right balancer depends on your horse's forage, workload and individual needs. Our feed finder quiz points you to a suitable balancer in a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Feeding horse balancers: common questions
- What if my horse refuses to eat a balancer?
- Introduce it slowly, starting with a very small amount of balancer, and mix it thoroughly into a good-sized feed of fast-soak fibre such as unmolassed sugar beet or low-sugar hay pellets. Enough carrier masks the smell and taste of the minerals. Avoid chops and chaffs, as minerals can clump in them.
- Can I feed a balancer without hard feed?
- You will need a carrier. We recommend a good-sized feed of fast-soak fibre, low in sugar, starch and calories, which masks the taste of the minerals.
- Should I add water to my horse's feed?
- Yes. Our balancers are powders, so add enough water for the carrier to be well soaked.
- How quickly should I introduce a balancer?
- Gradually, over several days, especially for fussy horses or horses that dislike changes to their bucket feed.
- Which balancer should I choose?
- The best balancer depends on your horse's forage, workload, health needs and current diet. A forage analysis or our feed finder quiz can help guide the choice.